Are Worker Voice Tools Really About Workers’ Voices?

In ethical trade, many stakeholders are involved, but one group remains underrepresented: the workers. While ethical trade focuses on improving working conditions globally, worker voice tools are often absent from the conversations held by trade associations, conferences, and alliances. These tools, which gather crucial data directly from workers, can provide a platform for their voices. This exclusion mirrors the lack of child participation in child rights discussions in past years. We need to hear from workers to truly understand and address their challenges.

International Labour Organization (ILO) – Worker Rights provides a comprehensive view of global worker rights and emphasizes the need for fair treatment, which aligns with the argument for worker representation in ethical trade.

Unions and worker voice providers are especially concerned with this issue. Unions argue that workers can best fight modern slavery and labor exploitation through freedom of association, even with challenges such as weak legal protections and low unionization in some regions. The main point remains: workers must have the platform to voice their concerns.

Worker voice providers seek to give workers a direct means to report on their working conditions. The absence of reliable data on these conditions makes this vital. Data tracking changes over time allows us to identify areas needing attention, which is crucial given the vast and complex nature of global supply chains.

The issue with worker voice tools is not the tools or the data they produce, but how we label them.

How Can Worker Voice Ethical Trade?

Worker voice tools collect data directly from workers through calls or texts, where they answer a series of questions. When designed well, these tools can measure key indicators of working conditions and modern slavery. The data collected provides a baseline for different sites, sectors, and regions, allowing us to track progress over time.

This data can pinpoint areas that need further investigation, intervention, or change. Worker voice providers generate invaluable diagnostic data that helps clients focus their efforts on the areas that need the most attention. Some tools also encourage better communication between workers and suppliers regarding issues like suggestions, productivity, and planned changes. These tools help facilitate reporting on a range of topics, including workplace conditions and productivity.

While worker voice tools don’t provide direct dialogue between workers and employers, they serve a critical role in identifying areas that need attention. These tools provide valuable data that can guide efforts to improve working conditions. However, empowering workers to engage in direct dialogue with employers or unions is essential for long-term change.

Why These Tools Matter Beyond Diagnostics

Worker voice tools are diagnostic in nature. They are essential for identifying issues, but they cannot replace the necessary dialogue. Perhaps calling them “worker reporting tools” is more accurate, as it better reflects their role in transmitting workers’ needs and concerns to those who can make changes. This allows suppliers, buyers, and unions to collaborate and address worker issues effectively.